Lost Cause (Tyler Carter)

Chapter 20

"Are you sure this is okay?" I asked Rachel before leaving to go get my stuff from my house.

"Yes, I promise." She said.

"Okay." I said.

I got back in the car and drove to my house. I don't want to be like Josh. I might as well get myself away from that possibility while I have the chance.

I got to my house and started packing more of my stuff into my gym bag.

Right when I was about to walk out of my bedroom, I heard a car pull up and the doors open and slam shut.

"How many times do I gotta' tell you to mow the lawn, son?" I heard Curtis yell.

I dropped my bag and sat down on the edge of my bed.

"This god damn lawn needs mowing! Where's the mower, and I'll do it myself!" He said as he kicked open my bedroom door, laughing. Him and Parker walked into my bedroom.

"Hey, Tyler." Curtis said. "Parker, look at him. That's the future, right there. He's a keeper."

"Look, I know Josh owes you money, and-" I started, but he cut me off.

"Josh." Curtis said. "That name sounds familiar. I feel like I know the guy. He never comes around anymore, though."

"He's busy." I said.

"Hey, chill out, brother." He said. "I'm here for you, not Josh."

"What are you talking about, man?" I said.

"What? Did you think this was over?" He asked. "No, you're in this now. You, me, and Josh. Parker, sort our boy out."

Parker walked out of the room and I heard him go out the front door.

"Maybe you'll be better at this whole thing than Josh, huh?" He said.

"I can't do this." I said.

"I treat my dealers like family, Tyler. I treat you like family until you piss me off. Don't piss me off and we won't have a problem."

"Come on, don't get me into this. I don't want to be like Josh." I said.

"Think about it." He said.

Parker came back with a red duffel bag. He dropped it on the floor.

"I mean it Tyler. Family. Me and you, we're brothers, now. I treat you like a brother." He said. "Where are you goin' with that bag, there?"

"No where." I said.

"Come on, get in the car." He said.

"Why?" I asked.

"What did I just tell you? Family." He said.

I followed him and Parker out of the room.

"Woah, forgetting something?" Parker said.

I glared down at the red duffel bag. "I'm going to have to come back and get it. Unless you want me to get busted."

Curtis nodded. "Okay."

We got in the car and I gave him the directions to Rachel's. We got there and I got out of the car without saying anything.

They weren't trying to be nice. They just wanted to know where I'm going so they won't have to go through the trouble of tracking me down. They're idiots, but they're not stupid.

I knocked on the door and Rachel let me in.

"Who was that?" She asked.

"Just a couple friends. I had them bring me over here because I didn't want to take my mom's car."

She nodded. "I see."

"Yeah." I said. "I hope it's really okay that I'm staying here."

"It is, Tyler. I promise. I wouldn't lie to you." She said.

"What about your mom?" I asked.

"My mom knows everything that goes on with you. She's always telling me how she would kill to get you out of that situation."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." She said.

"Okay."

"Now, follow me. I'll show you where to put your stuff."

I followed her down the hall to her room.

"You can hang your stuff in the empty half of the closet and there's drawers for whatever other stuff." She said.

I dropped my bag on the floor. "I'll put my stuff away later."

I placed my hands on her waist and pulled her body against mine. I hid my face in the crook of her neck and tried not to cry, but I couldn't help it. I sniffed and she pulled away.

"Tyler, what's wrong?" She asked.

I pulled her back against me and let my tears run down my face.

"Babe," She said. "talk to me."

"It was them, Rachel." I said.

"Who?"

"It was the suppliers that gave me a ride here." I said. "I just can't lie to you. They came to my house and gave me some stuff. I don't know what to do with it."

"Just don't sell it." She said.

"It doesn't work that way, Baby. They'll come after me." I said. "I just wish I could turn it all around."

And it's true. I never planned to end up like my brother.

A/N: Hey guys. I'm really sorry I haven't been updating. There's been a lot going on. I went out of town for a Royals game, then I had no WiFi for a couple days. It's just been blehhh. Anywaysss, AYYE the APMAs are in seven days!!!! I'm soooo excited to watch it and see Tyler's performance ahhh!! I reeeeally hope he gets best vocalist and Issues gets best album!!